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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and support site leaders in a dynamic hospitality environment.
- Company: Join Country Creatures, a charming collection of inns and pubs with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, beautiful locations, and genuine influence in your role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company while enjoying a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in hospitality or multi-site operations.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Financial Controller (12-Month Fixed Term Contract) — Country Creatures
Location: Hybrid across our sites in the South of England + home working
Contract: 12 months (maternity cover)
Reports to: Finance Director
About Country Creatures
Country Creatures is a small collection of characterful countryside inns and pubs known for warm hospitality, beautiful spaces, and thoughtful food and drink. Our sites include Double Red Duke Clanfield, Double Red Duke Bicester, The Mason's Arms, and The Wild Duck. Each location has its own identity, loyal following and strong local reputation, united by a shared focus on quality, comfort and genuine hospitality.
As we continue to grow, we're looking for a commercially minded Financial Controller to provide strong financial stewardship and hands-on leadership during a key period for the business.
The Role
This is a broad, operational Financial Controller role with real influence. You'll take ownership of the day-to-day finance function, ensure robust controls, and partner closely with site leaders and the senior team to support performance across the estate.
Responsibilities
- Ownership of monthly management accounts and board reporting
- Cashflow management, forecasting and working capital oversight
- Leading budgeting and reforecast cycles with site GMs
- Margin analysis across food, beverage and rooms
- Stock, GP and labour cost control with operational teams
- Oversight of AP/AR, payroll interface and balance sheet integrity
- Improving controls, processes and finance visibility for sites
- Supporting year-end and external accountants
- Ad-hoc commercial analysis for projects and investments
Qualifications
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent experience
- Background in hospitality, retail or multi-site operations preferred
- Confident producing management accounts end-to-end
- Commercial, pragmatic and comfortable working with operators
- Strong Excel and systems capability
- Calm, organised and happy to be hands-on
- Available for a 12-month fixed term contract
Benefits
- A values-led, people-first hospitality group
- Beautiful working environments across our inns
- Genuine influence and autonomy in the role
- Collaborative senior team and supportive culture
- Hybrid working with site connection
To apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short note on why this role appeals to you. Country Creatures is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
Financial Controller employer: The Double Red Duke
Contact Detail:
The Double Red Duke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality and finance sectors. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Country Creatures thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission of providing warm hospitality and quality service.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or supported operational teams in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your genuine interest in joining the Country Creatures family.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in finance, especially in hospitality or multi-site operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Financial Controller, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: In your cover note, tell us why this role at Country Creatures excites you. Share your passion for hospitality and how you can contribute to our team. Remember, we love a personal touch, so let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Financial Skills: Since this role involves cashflow management and budgeting, make sure to mention your proficiency in these areas. Highlight any specific tools or systems you’ve used that could benefit our operations. We’re looking for someone who’s confident and hands-on!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Country Creatures and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Double Red Duke
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the hospitality industry, such as cash flow management and margin analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves partnering with site leaders, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or collaborated with others to improve financial performance. This will show that you're not just about numbers but also about people.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Country Creatures and its unique offerings. Research their inns and pubs, and think about how your financial strategies can support their growth. Showing genuine interest in the company will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical questions or case studies during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you would handle budgeting cycles or improve financial controls. Practising these scenarios will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
